adjective
- of, relating to, or being a chemical species that attracts electrons and forms bonds by accepting electron pairs from nucleophiles
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- In organic chemistry, electrophilic aromatic substitution is a fundamental reaction mechanism.
- The carbon atom in a carbonyl group is electrophilic and readily attacked by nucleophiles.
- Electrophilic reagents are commonly used in synthesis to form new carbon-carbon bonds.
- The positively charged species acts as an electrophilic center in the reaction.
- Understanding electrophilic character helps predict reaction pathways in organic molecules.